Risk Factors and Signs

Teens who use drugs and alcohol can have bad things happen to them, like
car crashes, DUIs, failing in school, fights, suicide, and unprotected
sex. Alcohol or drugs are a factor in nearly 40 percent of violent crimes.
In 2005, 492,655 emergency room visits involved either alcohol and another
drug (all ages) or just alcohol for patients younger than 21.

Females take a bigger hit than males when it comes to drinking because
they have less of the liver enzyme that break down alcohol. So a female's
body breaks down alcohol more slowly than a male's body even if the
two people weigh the same and drink the same amount of alcohol over the
same period of time. Since alcohol stays in a female's body longer,
it causes more damage. Birth control pills and other medications influence
estrogen, which also can slow down the rate at which alcohol leaves the
body.

Some teens are more at risk for developing serious alcohol and drug
problems.

Social problems: new friends who aren't interested in usual home
and school activities, problems with the law, and changes in dress and
music.

The warning signs listed above also can be signs of other problems. You
should recognize the signs of trouble but can't be expected to know
exactly what is wrong with your teen. So if you notice signs of trouble,
the best way to help is to show your teen you care by talking about the
use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs.